Ian Somerhalder Wants to Play Christian in Fifty Shades of Grey

The Vampire Diaries actor, 33, is rumored to be in contention for the role of billionaire Christian Grey in the film adaptation of E.L. James' racy novel Fifty Shades of Grey. Somerhalder spoke about his interest in the project during an interview with Ryan Seacrest on KIIS-FM Monday.

"I absolutely would be up for that. It could be very, very amazing," Somerhalder said. "I have the book and I just started reading it. That would be a pretty incredible thing, and hopefully that could pan out."

He added: "Beyond the shadow of a doubt, I think that would be a phenomenal opportunity!"

Fifty Shades of Grey details a dominant-submissive relationship between college student Anastasia Steele and billionaire Grey; it sold more than 2 million copies in April 2012 alone. "I'm stunned by its popularity," British author James said on Today.

The controversial novel -- which began as online fan fiction -- has been dubbed "mommy porn" by The New York Times. Other critics have argued the book as anti-feminist because it endorses a potentially problematic power dynamic. James dismissed such concerns on Today, saying: "I think in [women's] fantasies, yes, [they want someone like Grey]. But I think in real life, it's very, very different. You want someone who does the dishes."